THE UNITED STARTS face such an uphill task at the FIFA World Cup not even the services of the world’s best player would help, according to Robbie Keane.
The USA will come up against powerhouse nations Germany and Portugal, as well as Ghana, in Group G at the showpiece event in Brazil.
But Ireland and LA Galaxy captain Keane has painted a bleak picture for Jurgen Klinsmann’s men at the upcoming World Cup. Speaking to TMZ Sports, the 131-cap international veteran said not even Argentina star Messi could help the USA progress to the knockout round.
“I’ll be honest with you, I don’t care if they had Messi, with the group they have they’re going to struggle,” said Keane, whose only appearance at a World Cup came in 2002, when he scored three goals in four games in South Korea and Japan.
“It’s going to be quite tough with the teams that are in there.”
The USA will be without Landon Donovan for the World Cup after Klinsmann controversially overlooked the nation’s all-time leading scorer. Donovan had made the initial squad but there was no room for the 157-cap veteran in USA’s final 23-man roster.
Keane said he could understand his Galaxy team-mate’s frustrations after missing out on a fourth World cup appearance.
“I’d be pissed off,” the 33-year-old said.”It’s a bit of a shock to everybody. He (Donovan) is one of the best players in the MLS and he has shown that for many years. But sometimes you have to respect the manager’s decision.
“He has done what he has had to do for the national team over the years but he should be brought because he is one of their best players.”
The lad is going to be snapped up this summer.He ran the show for Preston this season.I hope Cork City have a sell on clause with him.
@Padraig: I haven’t been following the championship at all. How have the likes of Horgan and Maguire been doing Padraig?
@De Zach Same: pretty good. Both where flying till they got injured.
@prop joe: Maguire was flying and had he not got injured Preston probably would have made the championship. It was a tough year for Horgan. He isn’t first choice and at times – particularly after Maguire came in struggled to make the bench. In saying that every time he came on he did well. Hopefully they’ll find a role for both him and Maguire (and now Robinson) next year
We see so much irish talent over in England at the moment yet the national team is at a standstill
@John Appleseed: at championship level. We don’t have any players at the top six clubs.
@prop joe: Lotd of good players in top six clubs here. They need to be given a chance.
Without the Irish boys the team would be struggling. Their strong listen hard and try hard mentality seems to have lifted some of the other average players. Don’t get burned on the beach boys! #republicofpreston.